The Curriculum

The
Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is both challenging and rewarding. Our comprehensive Elementary curriculum is based on the Italian Ministerial one which is further enriched in content by an international perspective. This continues through the Middle school where the Cambridge curriculum is integrated, offering different world views and engendering international mindedness among the student body.

All lessons are taught in English, except for language classes that are taught by mother tongue teachers.
Students opting for the Italian Ministerial Exams take the course in Italian for one hour every day starting from third grade.

Strong academic skills are built by ensuring that a number of cross-curricular themes are fully integrated into our programmes.

Experiential learning is what we do best at Castelli because of our educational philosophy, the natural surroundings and the extensive facilities available.

A holistic approach is emphasized to develop students’ critical thinking and their ability to work collaboratively.

A sense of community service is promoted and an interest and passion for the environment is nurtured, along with food literacy.

English

Students develop a high level of competence in reading and analyzing a wide variety of texts, including novels, short stories, plays, essays and poems from different cultures. They develop writing strategies for various forms of composition and focus on building higher level thinking skills to acquire confidence written and oral presentations on a wide range of topics.

Italian

Italian is taught on two levels: Italian as a foreign language (IFL), where students gain fluency in the written and spoken language, and the Italian Ministerial Programme (IMP) where students are prepared for the end year State examinations.

French

French is compulsory from grades 5 through 8. Students are enabled to read, write and acquire sufficient proficiency to make themselves understood in a French environment. Students also learn about French culture and civilisation.
CNED tutoring is offered upon request, at cost.

Mathematics

Mathematics focuses on exploring its relationship with the real world using the cognitive approach in the tradition of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Algebra, Geometry and handling data enable students to work independently applying reason and logic to problem solving.

Science & Technology

Students learn to use the scientific method to communicate, collect and interpret data when conducting scientific experiments. Their initiative, inventiveness and knowledge is demonstrated in their written and oral presentations during the annual Science and Humanities Fair.

ICT (Information Communication Technology)

Students are introduced to ICT held once a week from second grade on. Progressively, they learn to work with a variety of applications, to become familiar with hardware and internet technology and integrate their skills into their cross curricular studies.

Humanities

Through a multi-faceted inquisitive approach to History and Geography, students develop an understanding of change and continuity, cause and effect, time and place from different perspectives. They acquire a more enriching world vision which engenders international mindedness and an understanding of their role as global citizens.

Current Events

Current events connects to all areas of the curriculum. Taking an active interest in international relations is encouraged and students are stimulated to research in preparation for class discussions and debates.

Music

Students are instructed in choral singing and learn about rhythm, timbre and tempo. They will acquire basic skills in recorder, ukulele, string and percussion instruments. The programme includes musical performances and the traditional festival “Music Under the Stars” for the school community.

Art History

Students learn to understand different cultures through the study and analysis of art and architecture. Students reflect on how artists interpreted events of their time, thus providing knowledge and understanding of the past, and through it, of the the present.

Visual Arts

Students learn to work using different media, sketching from the natural environment also working in 3-D shapes. They experiment in applying various styles like, cubism, expressionism, pointillism, pop art, among others, thus developing fine motor skills and an appreciation for colour, light, shade, landscapes, portraiture and still life.

Drama

Drama provides opportunities for students to build confidence and the ability to communicate in front of an audience through improvisation, characterisation, script reading and writing. Backstage organisation is also important to develop team spirit and creativity. Drama is frequently integrated with other areas of the syllabus.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

PSHE promotes confidence in forming positive social relationships and respect for the values and beliefs of their peers. Students are encouraged to show initiative, take responsibility and develop independence.
Conflict resolution and mindfulness are an integral part of the course.

Physical Education

Athletics as well as team sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, hockey and tennis are taught.
Physical activity is emphasized as it plays a fundamental role in holistic education where a healthy lifestyle is combined with respect for rules, character building, resilience, problem-solving skills, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Inter-school games are held every term in one or several activities.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Bringing learning to life is what we do best.
Children question and explore their subjects, and make connections between them.
Children become increasingly responsible and enjoy the diverse approaches to learning.

IGNITING AN ENJOYMENT FOR LEARNING LEADS TO SUCCESS IN LATER EDUCATION

Overview of the Year
In class one children develop their reading and writing skills at individual levels and are challenged to reach their full potential in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies through Units of Inquiry. Children venture outside their classroom to participate in art, music, computer studies, P.E. and library.

Expectations
Through interactive lessons, field trips and gardening, children gain an understanding and appreciation of their environment.

Overview of the Year
In class 2 writing, reading and comprehension skills are further developed as children gain an interest in poetry, plays, fiction and nonfiction books. In Mathematics and Science the children are given a sturdy foundation and hands-on approach to help them succeed in the future. Social studies cover different cultures and traditions around the world which they express through art.

Expectations
Children progress at their competency level, work independently and with confidence.

Overview of the Year
Over the year the students will look at the origins of Man through the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Geography covers the formation of landforms. Mathematics covers calculations, fractions, units of measurement, perimeter and area of polygons and word problems. In Science the experimental methodology is introduced and used to examine the world around us. In Art the students learn new drawing techniques using different materials. Drama/Music sees a greater focus on improvisation and developing characters. In Language Arts students practice with a variety of different forms of writing and reading.

Expectations
Students are responsible for: completing their homework on time; carrying out group work responsibly; using study time effectively and participate in class discussions. They will also make connections between different subjects.

Overview of the Year
Over the year the students will look at the Dawn of Civilization and how organised agriculture led to cities, writing, and even slavery. Geography looks at the main process that shape our planet’s surface, and human geography examines primary, secondary and tertiary production and moves on to look at how Europe and Italy are organised. Maths sees the introduction of decimals, percentages, long division and multiplication as well as a focus on logic and word problems,. In Art the students learn new drawing techniques such as perspective and creatively experiment with different materials. Drama sees a greater focus on improvisation and developing characters, and in Language Arts students practice with a variety of different forms of writing.

Expectations
Students are responsible for keeping their homework diary up to date, carry out group work responsibly and resolve conflicts. They are expected to use private study time effectively, participate in class discussions and make connections between different subjects.

Overview of the Year
The students in class five study all curriculum areas using a cross-curricular approach wherever possible. The History and Geography programmes analyse the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilisations on the Italian peninsula as well as Italy today. In Science the principal topic is energy; students study energy sources and production in Italy, the Universe, light, sound and the human body. Art is stimulated by the core subjects and Music and Drama are linked in with the historical periods studied. In Language Arts students develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through analysis and production of a variety to text types.

Expectations
Students are expected to use study time effectively, participate actively in all class activities and make connections between different subjects.They should complete all work in class (if not, they are expected to finish at home) and they are responsible for completing homework and project work on time.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

A COMPREHENSIVEEDUCATION OPENSDOORS AND OURSTUDENT FLY

The connections students make between their subjects, coupled with an enriching current affairs syllabus, discussion and debate, allow students to become more independent in their studies, perform above average in exams and go on to successful education and working careers.

Overview of the Year
As students begin their Middle School career, there is a change in pace and detail in the types of information the students deal with. Following a thorough review of fundamental concepts in Mathematics, Geography, History and Science, students progress to building knowledge and skills in all subject areas. Current Events and Literature are introduced, providing a stimulating springboard for students to write, present and explore topical issues. Cambridge programmes are introduced.

Expectations
Students develop their time management, communication, research and thinking skills through reading, writing and collaborative learning. They interact with texts in a variety of ways, linking the subjects studied to main issues discussed.

Overview of the Year
As the body of student knowledge increases, teachers encourage the students to deepen their understanding through guided personal research, making thoughtful connections between theoretical concepts and the real world.
Exposing students to advanced mathematics, complex texts in Humanities as well as Art History stimulates their interest and encourages them to be more inquisitive.

Expectations
Students work independently on their research projects, organize their work in a logical and coherent manner and apply their knowlege to real life situations.
Students demonstrate critical thinking in their oral and written presentations.

Overview of the Year
Independent study and maturity are the cornerstones of the final year at Castelli. Students are fully prepared for the challenges of high-school.
The exciting, integrated Italian and Cambridge curricula prepare students to express themselves with confidence explaining their ideas, theories and practical applications in more detail. Their participation at the Harvard Model United Nations Conference increases their maturity, independence and awareness of international relations.

Expectations
Students are inquisitive and independent thinkers. They gain confidence and maturity in making informed decisions and become ethically minded citizens.
They are more cognizant of international issues and use problem solving skills to reach viable solutions.